Hi all, I was just wondering, is it feasible to join more than one branch of the U.S. military throughout your career? If so, which branches tend to have overlapping roles and training?
Yes, it is indeed feasible to join more than one branch of the U.S. military throughout your career. This process is generally known as an 'Inter-Service Transfer.' In this case, you need to fulfill your contract in one branch and then apply for a transfer to another branch. Alternatively, you can wait until your contract with one branch is finished and then enlist in the other branch.
It's important to remember that the process is not as simple as just signing up for the second branch. The transfer will have to be approved by both branches, and this typically requires a compelling reason. You might also need to go through a second round of basic training, depending on the rules of the specific branch you're transferring to as some branches accept other's training modules and some don't.
The branches with the most overlapping roles and training tend to be the Army and the Marines, as they both are primarily ground-based forces with similar basic infantry roles. The Air Force and Navy can also have overlapping roles and training, especially regarding aviation, and more recently, the U.S. Space Force overlaps astronautical roles with the Air Force and the Navy. Clearly defining your reason for transfer, such as your personal career goals or skills learned, can make the process smoother.
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